Milker inflation and shell



March 28, 1950 H. B. BABsoN ET AL Y MILKER INFLATION AND SHELL Sheets-Sheet l Filed June 18, 1945 .IIIII IIIIIII IIIIII March 28, 1950 H. B. BABsoN ET AL 2,502,352

MILKER INFLATION AND SHELL Filed June 18, 1945 2 sheets-Sheena Patented Mar. 28,3 1950 MILKERQINELATION: ANDI SHELL,

Henry' B. Babson, Chicagm and ChesterF A.

Thomaa. Crystal Lake, Ill., assignorsn4 to Babson Bros.. Go.,l a corporation of: Illinois i Application,luney 18;.. 1945, Serial No. 600,010

9'- Claims..v (Cl. 31e-85)'- 1 This invention relates to a mlker innation and shell, and more particularly to an improvedjteat cup assembly using an. iniiation: havingv several improvements.

' One feature of^ this invention is that it: provides `an improved iniiation`v for. milking machines,r an iniiation with a polygonal exterior configuration offl its body portion; preferably toprovide a teat cup assembly which requires a minimum of air movement foroperationy thereo f`so that the desired pulsing `action of the inflation is ei'ected more quickly and'y with lesspower than heretofore.

fAnother feature of this invention is that the inflation has a main generally cylindrical body portion of substantial internal diameter and' a reduced neck portion at least.20'% less and preferably about 30% less than the internal diameter of the main, body' portion, the neck portion being of substantial axial length. The largeinternal diameter of the main body" portion lets the vacuum get around the bottom of the teat and open it up better, while the reduced neck portion hangs on" to the teat Well, yet because of its substantial axial dimension or length does: not irritate the skin of the teat or irritate `or cause callouses in the. canal Vconnecting the teat.

to the udder.

Still another feature of this inventionl is that it provides an inflation particularly designed foruse with a milker of the suspended type` shown in McCormack U. S. Patent 1,859,213, for example. The upper portion of the inflationl is` provided with a rim portion having a socket receiving the top end of the shell; and the neckr` portion of the ination comprises a wall extending directly inwardly and then downwardly from the rim portion, the downwardly extending portion of the wall being substantially lspaced from any part of the rim or socket portion.r The reduced neck portion tends to"hang on to thebase ofthe teat without moving, but vflexing Aof' the wall portion extending from the rim portion to the downwardly extendingL part of the neck portion is quite freely and readily effected by changes in vacuum conditions, so that the stem i3 has considerable "action," resulting in increased tugging and pulling on the teat by a suspended milker of the type mentioned.

Other features and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following specifi'- cation and thedrawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view of a teat cup assembly embodying our inventions; Figure 2 is a transverse sectional view along thev line 2-2 of 'Figure 1, with the iniiation in -unstressed condition; Figure, 3l is a section similar toV Figure 21 but showing they ination wallsv moved in to a position in which they would closev oir the teat canal as' a. result of pressure differential between the interior' and exterior' of the inflation; Figure 4 is a perspective viewro the teat cup assembly shown in Figure 1;, Figure isv a frag,- mentary elevation looking from the left in Figure l; and Figure 6 is a bottom view of the teat cup assembly.

In milking a cow by machine, vacuum is applied to the opening at the lower end` of the teat to drawV milk out of the teat and out of the cistern or reservoir immediately thereabove. In order to `provide stimulation and rto preventV to the teat and udder, it isV desirable to massage or compress 'the teat and periodically to close ofi the flow of milk therethrough. This is accomplishedv in all present commercial milking machines by providingV a flexible enclosing elementY for the teat, termed an inflation, with a suction and discharge tube connected to4 the milker bucket;` and by enclosing the infiation in a rigid shell' and alternately providing `conditionsy of' vacuum and of atmospheric pressure in the shell to the outside of the inflation.

to withdrawmilkr therefrom and from the reser` voir thereabove. On the other hand, when atmospheric pressure is present in the. shell to the outside of the inflation, the pressure difierential between the inside and the outside of the inflation may be in the neighborhood of flve to eight pounds per square inch, resulting in the inflation squeezing inwardly suciently to shut oli any iiow of milk through the teat. This period of cessation of milk flow, which may be termed the rest period, permits the reservoir to rell from other portions of the udder connectedl to the reservoir by branching channels and ducts; and this giving downl of the milk,`

as it is generally termed in the dairy industry,4

all times to the end of the teat, and alternately squeezing and releasing the teat to permit intermittent ow of milk therethrough is termed double action milking,` and has been the conventional commercial method of milking machine, operation for about three decades. Inasmuch as this method of milking and machines for operatwill hereinafter be limited to the teat cup assembly and the improvements which we have made therein, may be supplemented by reference to McCornack Patent 1,859,213, which discloses a conventional commercialA typev ,of rmilking' machine, and Fosler Patent 1,376,804, which shows the details of operation of a pulsator therefor.

In the particular embodiment of our inventionillustrated herewith, oneteat cup assembly (four identical assemblies of this type would be used with each machine, of course) is illustrated as comprising an inflation A, a shell B and a vacuum hose C. The inflation has a lower stem portion integral therewith operating as a milk tube, the inflation corresponding in its body and stem portion to the elements identified as 22 and 19 in the above-mentioned McCornack patent, in so far as the general principles and operation are concerned; and the shell and vacuum hose correspond generally to the elements identified as 18 and 2l in such patent. AIt will be understood that this correspondence is merely as to general shape and modes of operation, as the present teat cup assembly constitutes an improvement over those heretofore used in the manner claimed in they claims attached hereto.

The ination A, which may be of flexible material such as natural or synthetic rubber, comprises an upper or rim portion here identified in general as I, a neck portion identied as II, a main body portion here identified as l2, and a stem portionhere identified as I3, all of these portions preferably being integral, as illustrated. The lower end (speaking with respect to the position of the parts as shown in the drawing) of the stem portion would be slipped over a nipple f,

on a lid of a milker of the kind shown in the above-mentioned McCornack patent, or onto a nipple of a claw, if the milking machine is of theso-called floor type. As vacuum is always drawn in the bucket during the milking operation, generally at to 15 inches of mercury, vacuum always exists in the interior of the stern portion I3 and is applied to the lower end of the teat, which would lie in the body portion I2 of the inflation.

, The shell, preferably of rigid material suchas stainless steel, comprises an upper portion here identified as I4, a main body portion here identified as I5, and a connector nipple here identified as I6. The'upper portion I4 of the shell is preferably circular in cross section, and is provided with a bead Illa adapted to be received in a recess Illa provided for such purpose in the rim portion Ill of the iniiation. The lower end of the body portfion I5 of the shell is considerably reduced in diameter to provide the necked in portion I5a, this portion being adapted snugly to encircle the .upper end ofthe stem portion I3 of the inflation so that there is an air-tight seal at this point. The vacuum hose C'is connected to the nipple I6 at one end, as shown, and to a nipple on the pulsator at the other end, so that vacuum and atmospheric pressure conditions alternately exist in this hose, and thus in the space between the shell and the inflation, at a rate determined by the rate of operation for which the pulsatoris adjusted.`

' While the body portions of both the inflation and shell may be termed generally cylindrical and such portions each have a central opening or passagewayl of considerable length as compared with the diameter thereof, reference to Figures 2 to 6 will make it apparent that 'the cross secmtional configurations of the shell, and of the exterior of the inflation, are not circular. We have found that it is preferable to have the inner wall .y of the inflation, in unstressed condition, circular as illustrated'in Figure 2; but that improved results are obtained by making the exterior wall of the inflation in the shape of a regular polygon. While the exterior cross-sectional configuration of vthe body portion of the inflation is here shown as generally triangular, this being the preferred form, it will be understood that the advantages of our invention may also be achieved by the use of other generally polygonal shapes such as squares or pentagons. At least the inner wall of the shell I5 must be of a generally similar polygonal configuration in cross section, being here shown as generallyv triangular. While the exterior wall of the shell would not necessarily be of the same' shape, it is preferable to start with a cylinder of sheet metal and form it to the polygonal shape desired, as illustrated in Figure 2. The altitudes of vthe interior surface of the generally triangularly shaped shell (when viewed in cross section), however, should be somewhat greater than the altitudes of the exterior surface of the iniiation in unstressed condition (when viewed in cross section), so that space may exist between the apices of the inflation and the apices of the correspondingly polygonal shell, as illustrated in Figure 2, when approximately the same conditions of vvacuum exist on the inside and outside of the of these channels and all of these channels being connected together at their upper ends by the annular space existing between the portion I4 of the shell and the spaced inner circular upper portion of the inilation. When atmospheric pressure is admitted to the shell through the hose C and nipple I6, this construction provides for the application of pressure to the entire outer wall area of the inflation with a minimum of air space requiring exhaustion on the next or vacuum p portion of the pulsator cycle. Alternate squeez- I. ingand relaxing of the inflation with a minimum of air movement not only result in faster action but also in economizing of power in the creation of vacuum in the lines connected to the milker.

. The body portions of the inflation and shell are preferably so proportioned that when the pressuze conditions inside and outside of the inflation are substantially equal, so that the in iiation is in substantially unstressed condition. the outer surfaces of the walls which may be termed the sides of the triangle, as viewed in Figure 2, contactthe adjacent inner surfaces of the Sides of the shellbody portion. On the other hand, what may be termed the corner portion or apices should not come into contact with the inner corner of the shell when the inflation is in unstressed condition. A space should be left here which, in the normal teat cup assembly might be 111 of an inch which has the dual function of providing for air movement while at the same time keeping the air space to a minimum, and also providing for outward movement of the corner portions when the inflation walls collapse. Referring more particularly to Figure 3, the inflation is shown in a position assumed when atmospheric pressure exists on the outside of the iniiation and thel ination is substantially lled with a teat of normal size. The pressure differential causes the sides of the triangle to move inwardly sufficient to compress the teat and close o milk passage therethrough, the corner portions expanding out into the space in the apices of the shell body as the center of the sides move inwardly.v AIn the position shown in Figure 3 the distance from the center of the inner surfaces of the sides to the axis of the assembly are much shorter than the radius in the position shown in Figure 2, so that there has been a definite inward compression of the teat. It will be understood, of course, that the sides move in a distance determined by the teat in the iniiation, and if the teat is smaller the sides move in further. The pressure on the outside of the inflation is always sufficient to squeeze the teat walls to a point where the flow of milk therethrough is stopped, the limiting position of the movement of the sides of the body portion of the ination being determined by the size of the teat and how thick its Walls are.

' .AsY will be readily apparent from an examination of Figure 1, the internal diameter of the main body portion I2 of the inflation is substantially greater than the internal diameter of the coaxial neckportion II. We have found that a large internal diameter of the body portion re sults in improved milk flow by letting the vacuum in the stem I3 get around the bottom of the teat and open it up better on the flow portion of the cycle of operation. However, we have found that retention of this same large internal diameter throughout the entire iniiation is undesirable in that the inflation and shell do not hang on properly. Accordingly, we have provided a reduced neck portion which is substantially less in internal diameter but which has a substantial axial length, in order to avoid the irritating effect.

of narrow inwardly extending rims sometimes heretofore used on inations. We have found that the internal diameter of the neck portion should be at least 20% less, and preferably about 30% less, than the internal diameter of the main body portion, as the base of a teat is generally slightly smaller than the portion therebelow, and it is desired to grip this portion fairly firmly to keep the shell and inflation in place. We have also found that,` if irritation of the teat base and inner canal are to be avoided, the neck portion should have an axial dimension or length at least one-third and preferably one-half or more of its internal diameter. In a particular embodiment of our invention which we have made we have found that very satisfactory results may be achieved by using a body portion with an internal diameter of '1% inches and a neck portion with an internal diameter of one inch and an axial dimension of slightly over a half inch, the cross sectional view of Figure 1 being a scale drawing of' this particular preferred embodiment of our inflation.

We have also found that we can improve the milking efficiency of Aasuspended milker (of the kind shown` in McCornack Patent 1,859,213, for example) by designing theupper portion of the inflation, and more particularly the neck portion 'and the way in `which it joins the rim and socket l wardly with respect to the shell'.

portion Inc. Rather than forming the neck in-` tegral with the inner depending flange I0c of the rim portion, we form the neck by a wall por, tion which extends directly inwardly (radially) for a distance equal to at least its own thickness. this portion being here identified as I I a; and then by having this wall portion extend downwardly in a straight cylindrical portion IIb for a half inch or slightly more, and then are outwardly in the portion IIc to join the main body portion I2 of the inflation. By having a relatively thin wall portion (of only about V8 inch thickness, for example) extend directly inwardly at least 1A; or inch from the inner ange I0c of the rim portion I 0, and then downwardly, a very flexible and relatively freely axially movable neck portion is provided. That is, the downwardly extending portion IIb which grips the base of the teat is capable of considerable movement axially with respect to the shell upon variation in vacuum conditions between the shell and iniiation as a result of pulsator operation. Changes in the vacuum state cause a exing of the whole inflation resulting in appreciable flexing .of the inwardly extending wall portion II a, so that the depending cylindrical portion IIb will have at least 1/8 inch and frequently even more axial movement with respect to the shell. When at-4 mospheric pressure is admitted through the nipple I6 to the space between the shell and inflation,v the neck portion of the inflation assumes the position illustrated in the drawing; while when the pulsator causes a vacuum to be drawn in this space, the cylindrical portion I I b moves down- This provides a considerable improvement in the downwardv and forward pull and tug automatically effected by a suspended milking machine of the type disclosed in the above mentioned McCornack patent; and this increased tug and pull or greater action, results in faster and more complete' milking. The compression of the teat during that portion of the pulsator cycle when atmospheric pressure exists in the shell is such as to substantially cut off iiow of blood, and during the other portion of the cycle blood must be permitted to get back from the teat into the udder veins in order to maintain enough circulation to prevent pain or injury to the teat. The

lrelatively broad area of engagement of the neck,

and the massaging effect of its very considerable axial movement, help to increase the ow of bloodr during the portion of cycle when vacuum exists A between the shell and inflation.

theteat (which might be a considerable portion Where the teat was short) collapsed flat upon itself with frequent resulting splitting of the iniiations if they had lost their resilience to the` The presentslightest extent for any reason. arrangement provides the maximum exing stresses in the thickened corner or apex portions of the iniiation, and evenv there distributes the stresses through three or moreicorners rather-1 than two, obviating the abovementioned dii.

culty. This construction also appears to result in 7 the infla'tionrestoring itself tothe position `shown in Figure'2fmorequickly after vacuum is again applied to the exterior thereof,- resulting in quicker resumption of milk how and faster milking.

The combination of a relativelynarrow neck with a relatively wide bodyy partl gives all the advantages of a large'in'ation in lettingthe teat openup rfully during the flowI period of operation, While the use of the narrow-neck of substantial axial length maintainsV the desired position of the inflation neck onthe teatin a way which does not irritate either the outerskin or the inner canal of' the teat.

The use of a relatively thin and flexible wall portion which extends directly inwardly from the rim portion and then downwardly to -form the neck portion, with aspacel between the .neckportion and any other adjacent portion of the inflation or shell, provides better tugging and pulling action of the milker andan improved massaging action letting the blood go back to they udder and keeping proper circulation through the teat.

Thecombination of all these 'features provides aninfl'ation which constitutes az very considerable improvement'in this eld, all of these fea tures cooperating with each other to achieve laster and morecompletemilking with less` irritation; tov the teat, andwith improved life of the inflation.

While we haveshown and described certain' embodiments of our invention, it is to beV under.- stood that it is capableormany modifications. Changes, therefore, in the construction andarrangement may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed inthe appended claims.

We claim:

, 1. A flexible inflation for use in a teat cup shellv of a milker, including: an upper rim portion;a generally cylindrical body portion having a circular interior and a ,generally polygonal exterior configuration in cross-section, said configuration extending substantially throughout the length of the body portion; and a lower stein portion.

2. A flexible inflation for use in a teat cup shell of. a milker, comprising a, generally cylindrical.

its body portion in said shell, the body portioniof-l said inilation being generally cylindrical' and having a circular interior and a generally polygonal exterior configuration in cross-section, said polygonal configurations being similar.

5. A teat cup assembly for usewithva milker, including: a rigid shell havinga body portion with a generally triangular interior 'configuration inv cross-section; and a flexible inflation having, its body portionin said shell, .thebody portionlof,

8 said-infiation having a circular interior and a generally triangular exterior conguration in crosssection.

6. A teat ycup assembly for use with a milker, including: a rigid shell `having a body portion with a generally triangular interior coniiguration in 'cross-'seotiom anda exible inflation having its body portion in-said shell, the body portion of said ination having a circular interior and a generally triangular exterior configuration in crosssection, thesides ofl said inflation lying closely adjacent-the sides of the shell `and the apices slightly spaced from the apices of the shell when the inflationy is in unstressed condition.

'7; A teatcup assembly for use with a millier,- including: a rigid shell having a body portion with agenerally polygonal interior coniiguration in cross-section; and a flexible iniiation having its body portion in `said shell, the body. portion of saidinii'ation having a circular interior and a generally polygonal exterior configuration in cross-section, said polygonal configiuations being similar, 'the sides oisaid inflation lying closely adjacent the sides off the shell and the apices slightly spaced from the apices of the shell when the inationis in unstressed` condition.

8. A iiexible inflation for use in a .teat cup shell of-a milker, including: an upper rim portion having a socket part adapted toy receive the upperl edge ofthe shell; a neck portion comprising a` portion being atgleast 20% less than that of the body portion of, said inflation and the length of said neck being atleast 10% of that of the body portion of said-inflation;

HENRY B. BABSON. CHESTER A. THOMAS.

REFERENCES, CITED The following references are of record in the file oithis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 948,608 Hodge etal Feb. 8, 1910= 1,167,968 Anderson Jan. 1l, 1916 1,312,941 Anderson Aug. l2, 1919. 11,322,311 Kochet al. Nov. 18, 1919l 1,365,665 Davies Jan. 18, 1921 .1,417,116 Turk et al May 23, 1922 1,601,145 Remy. Sept. 28, 1926 11,690,327 Dineson Nov. 6, 1928 1,839,765 Knox Jan. 5, 1932 1,896,321 Maes Feb. '7, 1933 2,340,295 Bender Feb. 1 1944:v

FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date A101,945 Great Britain Nov. 2, 1916 

